Injector for gas reservoir and reservoir including the injector

Abstract

To provide an injector for a gas reservoir.SOLUTION: An injector 1 includes a duct 2 intended to bring a filling station and a filled reservoir into fluid connection with each other. In the injector 1, the duct 2 extends along a main shaft X and includes an inlet orifice 21 intended to receive a pressurized gas flow coming from the filling station and an outlet orifice 22 intended to carry the flow toward the filled reservoir. The injector 1 includes a movable member 3 disposed on the inner side of the duct 2 and configured to move relative to the outlet orifice 22 between a first end part position where the movable member 3 provides the outlet orifice 22 with a minimum passage cross section and a second end part position where the movable member 3 provides the outlet orifice 22 with a maximum passage cross section.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

Technical Field

[0001]

[0001] The present invention relates to an injector for a gas reservoir. The present invention also relates to a gas reservoir comprising such an injector.

Background Art

[0002]

[0002] During the filling of a gas reservoir, particularly a gaseous hydrogen reservoir, the speed of the gas being injected at the outlet of the injector, called the injection speed, is a factor in the good thermal homogeneity of the gas in the reservoir. The higher the injection speed, the better the gas being injected will mix with the gas in the reservoir, and thus the gas in the reservoir will be more thermally homogeneous.

[0003]

[0003] A thermally homogeneous gas is desirable to avoid hot spots that would risk damaging the walls of the reservoir. In particular for composite reservoirs, a temperature of less than 85 °C is imposed by the SAE J2601 standard.

[0004]

[0004] The gas reservoir is filled at a mass flow rate that must not exceed a certain level imposed by the standard. For example, the maximum mass flow rate is limited to 60 g / s in the case of a reservoir for a light vehicle. Furthermore, the filling must be such that the temperature of the gas present in the reservoir does not exceed a certain threshold set at 85 °C by the SAE J2601 standard.

[0005]

[0005] Thus, in order to fill at a fixed mass flow rate, the injection speed will decrease in proportion to the increase in the density and pressure of the gas present in the reservoir. With this reduction in speed, the gas is no longer sufficiently mixed. This causes a temperature gradient or stratification of temperature in the reservoir, risking the appearance of hot spots having a temperature exceeding the threshold set by the standard.

Summary of the Invention

[0006]

[0006] The object of the present invention is to overcome the drawbacks listed above.

[0007]

[0007] For this purpose, according to a first aspect, the present invention relates to an injector for filling a gas reservoir, the injector comprising a duct intended to fluidly connect a gas station to the reservoir to be filled, the duct extending along a main axis and comprising an inlet orifice intended to receive a gas flow coming from the station and an outlet orifice intended to convey said flow towards the reservoir to be filled.

[0008]

[0008] According to the present invention, the injector comprises a movable member configured to move within the duct relative to the outlet orifice between a first end position in which the movable member provides a minimum passage cross-section at the outlet orifice and a second end position in which the movable member provides a maximum passage cross-section at the outlet orifice.

[0009]

[0009] Thus, by introducing a member movable relative to the outlet orifice, the present invention enables the passage cross-section to be modified towards this outlet orifice. This makes it possible to maintain the gas injection rate into the reservoir at a sufficient level when the gas density increases within the reservoir. A sufficient level of the rate contributes to the gas mixing within the reservoir and thus helps to limit the risk of hot spots occurring.

[0010]

[0010] Other embodiments of the present invention comprise the following features, - The movable member is arranged facing the inlet orifice and comprises a deflecting wall forming an acute angle with the main axis of the duct, - The movable member comprises a slider extending along the main axis of the duct, - The slider is configured to move translationally within the duct along the main axis of the duct, - The slider comprises a head having a channel, - The channel comprises an inner surface forming at least part of the deflecting wall, - The angle between the deflecting wall arranged facing the inlet orifice and the main axis of the duct is between 5° and 50°, - The inlet orifice opens into the duct parallel to the main axis of the duct. - The outlet orifice opens into the duct across the main axis, for example, in a direction forming an angle between 5° and 50° with the main axis. - The channel formed in the slider is configured to be at least partially aligned with the outlet orifice of the duct so that gas can flow from the filling station to the reservoir to be filled. - The injector comprises a support for attaching the slider to the duct. - The support is configured to be fixed to one end of the duct that is on the opposite side of the inlet orifice. - The injector comprises an element for returning the slider to its first position. - The injector comprises a member for alignment between the channel formed in the slider and the outlet orifice of the duct. - The alignment member is arranged in contact with one end of the duct around the support. - The duct comprises at least one ventilation opening present downstream of the outlet orifice. - The duct comprises a stop intended to limit the movement of the slider in the direction of the inlet orifice of the duct to its first position. - The stop is present at the limit point of the inlet orifice of the duct. - The movable member comprises a projection arranged inside the duct that is inclined with respect to the main axis. - The projection is configured to be moved by bending about an axis perpendicular to the main axis of the duct. - The projection has a first edge fixed to the inner wall of the duct and a free edge that emerges into the outlet orifice. - The free edge of the projection is configured to be moved by translation in a direction perpendicular to the main axis with respect to the outlet orifice and / or by rotation about the bending axis of the projection. - The inlet orifice and the outlet orifice each have the shape of a passage having an axis that coincides with the main axis of the duct.

[0011]

[0011] According to a second aspect, the present invention relates to a reservoir comprising an injector according to any one of the embodiments described above.

[0012]

[0012] Further specific features and advantages will become apparent upon reading the following description provided with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0013]

Figure 1

[0013] Schematic view showing an example of a reservoir comprising an injector according to the present invention.

Figure 2

[0014] Schematic cross-sectional view showing an injector according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 3

[0015] Schematic cross-sectional view showing an injector according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0014]

[0016] As shown in FIG. 1, the present invention relates to a reservoir 10 comprising an injector 1. The injector 1 is disposed at the neck 20 of the reservoir 10. Further, the injector 1 is held in a centered position of the neck 20 by a support 30.

[0015]

[0017] Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, the injector 1 comprises a duct 2 intended to fluidly connect a station 100 to the reservoir 10 to be filled. In particular, the duct 2 extends along a main axis X and comprises an inlet orifice 21 intended to receive a gas flow coming from the station 100 and an outlet orifice 22 intended to carry said flow towards the reservoir 10 to be filled.

[0016]

[0018] According to the present invention, the injector 1 comprises a member 3 which is movable inside the duct 2 and is configured to occupy the following end positions with respect to the outlet orifice 22, i.e., its end positions are a first position where the movable member 3 provides a minimum passage cross-section to the outlet orifice 22 and a second position where the movable member 3 provides a maximum passage cross-section to the outlet orifice 22. In other words, the movable member 3 is adapted to modify (in particular to reduce) the passage cross-section directed towards the outlet orifice 22.

[0017]

[0019] Advantageously, the movable member 3 comprises a deflecting wall 31 arranged facing the inlet orifice 21. The deflecting wall 31 forms an angle α between 5° and 50° with the main axis X of the duct 2. The deflecting wall 31 of the movable member 3 can deflect the flow path of the gas coming from the inlet orifice 21.

[0018]

[0020] In combination with the deflection of the gas flow path, reducing the passage cross-section in the direction of the outlet orifice 22 makes it possible to hold a sufficient amount of gas at the outlet orifice 22 of the injector and / or to increase its injection rate. By controlling the injection rate, the gas flow injected into the reservoir 10 to be filled mixes the gas present in the reservoir and thus prevents the formation of hot spots in the reservoir.

[0019]

[0021] In the first embodiment shown in FIG. 2, the member 3 comprises a slider 3A extending along the main axis X of the duct 2. The slider 3A is configured to be translated inside the duct 2 along the main axis X of the duct 2.

[0020]

[0022] According to this first embodiment, the slider 3A comprises a head 32 having a channel 33 forming an angle α between 5° and 50° with the main axis X of the duct 2. The slider 3A also comprises a guide 34 connected to the head 32. In particular, the head 32 has a diameter close to the inner diameter of the duct 2. The guide 34 is in the form of a prism with a hexagonal, square or rectangular cross-section.

[0021]

[0023] Furthermore, the inlet orifice 21 of the duct 2 has an axis that coincides with the main axis X of the duct 2. The outlet orifice 22 of the duct 2 has an axis Y1 that forms an angle β between 5° and 50° with the main axis X of the duct.

[0022]

[0024] Therefore, the passage 33 formed by the slider 3A is configured to be aligned with the outlet orifice 22 of the duct 2 in order to ensure the gas flow from the station 100 to the reservoir 10 to be filled. The passage 33 formed in the slider 3A is provided with an inner wall that forms the deflector wall 31.

[0023]

[0025] Advantageously, the injector 1 comprises a support 4 that enables the slider 3A to be attached to the duct 2. In particular, the support 4 is fixed to one end 24 of the duct 2, on the opposite side of the inlet orifice 21 of the duct 2. Furthermore, the support 4 is provided with a passage 41 configured to receive the guide 34. The passage 41 has a geometry complementary to that of the guide 34, that is, a hexagonal, square, or rectangular cross-section.

[0024]

[0026] Therefore, the support 4 prevents any rotation of the slider 3A relative to the duct 2.

[0025]

[0027] In the example shown, the support 4 comprises a threaded cylinder that cooperates by screwing into the duct 2. As a variant, other fixing methods are conceivable between the support 4 and the duct 2.

[0026]

[0028] Advantageously, the injector 1 comprises an elastic return element 5 that connects the slider 3A to the support 4.

[0027]

[0029] In the example shown, the return element 5 is a spring that is arranged around the guide 34 of the slider 3A, between the head 32 of the slider 3A and the support 4. More specifically, the spring 5 has a first coiled portion fixed to the head 32 of the slider 3A and a second coiled portion fixed to the support 4.

[0028]

[0030] Advantageously, the injector 1 comprises an alignment member 6 enabling alignment of a channel 33 formed in the slider 3A with an outlet orifice 22 of the duct 2. The alignment member 6 is arranged around the support 4 so as to abut against an end 24 of the duct 2. The alignment member 6 thus makes it possible to prevent the position of the support 4 relative to the duct 2.

[0029]

[0031] In the example shown, the alignment member 6 is a nut with a hexagonal, square or rectangular cross-section.

[0030]

[0032] In the nominal position, the head 32 of the slider 3A is pressed against a stop 24 of the duct 2. A channel 33 formed in the head 32 of the slider 3A is offset relative to the outlet orifice 22 in the main direction X of the duct, leaving a minimum passage cross-section towards the outlet orifice 22.

[0031]

[0033] When gas is received into the injector 1, its pressure drives the slider 3A in the direction of the support 4 and thus makes it possible to fully release the outlet orifice 22. In the reservoir 10 to be filled, the gas density is low and the pressure difference for the gas flow to be injected is relatively large. The gas flows from the injector into the reservoir 10 at a sufficient speed.

[0032]

[0034] Then, when injection continues, the gas density in the reservoir 10 increases identically to the mass flow rate delivered by the injector 1. Thus, the volumetric input decreases and the pressure difference for the gas flow to be injected also decreases.

[0033]

[0035] The slider 3A is then driven in a movement opposite to the support 4 towards the stop 24 of the duct. The return of the slider 3A to its nominal position reduces the passage cross-section of the outlet orifice 22 and makes it possible to maintain the injection rate of the gas injected into the reservoir 10.

[0034]

[0036] The return of the slider 3A to its nominal position is made possible by a return element 5.

[0035]

[0037] It should be noted that in this embodiment, the duct 2 includes at least one ventilation opening 23 that is downstream of the outlet orifice 22 and upstream of the support 4.

[0036]

[0038] The ventilation opening 23 serves to prevent the enclosure of gas existing between the slider 3A and the support 4. Further, the ventilation opening 23 allows gas to pass between the duct 2 and the inside of the reservoir 10 in order to balance the pressure. Thus, thanks to the presence of the ventilation opening 23, the slider 3A can move freely within the duct 2.

[0037]

[0039] In another embodiment shown in FIG. 3, the movable member 3 includes a deformable tab 3B that is obliquely fixed inside the duct 2.

[0038]

[0040] The tab 3B has two opposite sides including a first side 35 that faces the inlet orifice 21 and a second side 36 that faces the outlet orifice 22. The first side 35 forms a deflection wall 31 of the tab 3B.

[0039]

[0041] Furthermore, the tab 3B has a first edge 37 fixed to the inner wall of the duct 2 and a free edge 38 that emerges into the outlet orifice 22. The free edge 38 of the tab 3B is configured to move with respect to the outlet orifice 22 of the duct 2 in a translational manner in the Y2 direction perpendicular to the main axis X of the duct 2. Thus, the translation of the free edge 38 enables the passage cross-section of the outlet orifice 22 to be reversibly modified.

[0040]

[0042] The forward translation of the free edge 38 is obtained after bending the tab 3B about the first edge 37 and around the Z direction perpendicular to the main axis X of the duct 2. The bending is induced by the force of the gas passing through the injector. The backward translation of the free edge 38 is obtained by the elastic return of the tab 3B to its nominal configuration (i.e., the configuration in which there is no gas in the injector 1 or the force induced by the gas is relatively small).

[0041]

[0043] In other words, the protruding piece 3B is configured to be deformed by bending so as to reversibly shift from a first configuration in which the protruding piece 3B and the inner wall of the duct 2 provide a minimum passage cross-section to the outlet orifice 22 to a second configuration in which the protruding piece 3B and the inner wall of the duct 2 provide a maximum passage cross-section to the outlet orifice 22.

[0042]

[0044] Particularly in its first configuration, the protruding piece 3B forms a minimum angle α with the main axis X of the duct 2. In its second configuration, the protruding piece 3B forms a maximum angle α with the main axis X of the duct 2.

[0043]

[0045] It is advantageous for the duct 2 to be provided with a check valve 7. Thus, even when the protruding piece 3B is pushed too far towards the duct 2 during emptying of the reservoir and obstructs the minimum passage cross-section of the outlet orifice 22, the gas flow can circulate in the reservoir 10 towards the injector 1.

Claims

1. An injector (1) for a gas reservoir (10), said injector comprising a duct (2) intended to fluidly connect a filling station (100) and said gas reservoir (10) to be filled, said duct (2) extending along a main axis (X) and having an inlet orifice (21) intended to receive a pressurized gas flow coming from said filling station (100), and an outlet orifice (22) intended to carry said gas flow towards said gas reservoir (10) to be filled, said injector (1) also comprising a movable member (3) disposed inside said duct (2) and configured to move relative to said outlet orifice (22) between a first end position in which said movable member (3) provides a minimum passage cross-section at said outlet orifice (22) and a second end position in which said movable member (3) provides a maximum passage cross-section at said outlet orifice (22). In the injector (1), the movable member (3) is arranged facing the inlet orifice (21) and comprises a deflecting wall (31) forming an acute angle (α) with the main axis (X) of the duct, characterized in that. Injector (1).

2. The movable member (3) comprises a slider (3A) extending along the main axis (X) of the duct (2), said slider (3A) being configured to move translationally inside the duct (2) along the main axis (X) of the duct (2), characterized in that. Injector (1) according to claim 1.

3. The slider (3A) comprises a head (32) having a channel (33), said channel (33) having an inner surface (31) forming at least a part of the deflecting wall, and the acute angle (α) being between 5° and 50°, characterized in that. Injector (1) according to claim 2.

4. The inlet orifice (21) opens into the duct (2) parallel to the main axis (X) of the duct (2), and the outlet orifice (22) opens into the duct transversely to the main axis (X) in a direction (Y1) forming an angle (β) between, for example, 5° and 50° with the main axis (X), characterized in that. Injector (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. The channel (33) formed in the slider (3A) is configured to be at least partially aligned with the outlet orifice (22) of the duct (2) so that the gas can flow from the filling station (100) to the gas reservoir (10) to be filled. The injector (1) according to both claims 3 and 4.

6. The injector (1) includes a support (4) for attaching the slider (3A) to the duct (2), and the support (4) is configured to be fixed to one end (24) of the duct (2) located on the opposite side of the inlet orifice (21). The injector (1) according to any one of claims 2 to 5.

7. The injector (1) according to claim 6, characterized in that the injector (1) includes an element (5) for returning the slider (3A) to its first position.

8. The injector (1) includes an alignment member (6) for aligning between the channel (33) formed in the slider (3A) and the outlet orifice (22) of the duct (2), and the alignment member (6) is arranged in contact with one end (24) of the duct (2) around the support (4). The injector (1) according to claim 6 or 7.

9. The duct (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the duct (2) includes at least one ventilation opening (23) located downstream of the outlet orifice (22).

10. The duct (2) includes a stop (24) intended to limit the movement of the slider (3A) in the direction of the inlet orifice (21) of the duct (2) to its first position, and the stop (24) is located at the limit point of the inlet orifice (21) of the duct (2). The injector (1) according to any one of claims 2 to 9.

11. The movable member (3) includes a projection (3B) disposed inside the duct (2) obliquely with respect to the main axis (X), and the projection (3B) is configured to be moved by bending around an axis (Z) perpendicular to the main axis (X) of the duct (2). The injector (1) according to claim 1 or 2.

12. The tab (3B) has a first edge (37) fixed to the inner wall of the duct (2) and a free edge (38) emerging into the outlet orifice (22), the free edge (38) being configured to be translated in a direction (Y2) perpendicular to the main axis (X) and / or to rotate about the axis (Z) and thus be displaced relative to the outlet orifice (22), injector (1) according to claim 11.

13. The injector (1) according to claim 12, characterized in that the inlet orifice (21) and the outlet orifice (22) each have the shape of a passage having an axis coinciding with the main axis (X) of the duct (2).

14. A reservoir (10) comprising the injector (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 13.

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